Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Chesterfield & Mansfield – S44

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) a style of therapy available at Therapist Ltd in Chesterfield and Mansfield and is arguably the most common form of psychotherapy offered by mental health professionals in the NHS. Its effectiveness is strongly supported by experimental evidence, and it works on a more practical, solution-focused level than most types of therapy. The treatment is far-removed from the Freudian psychology stereotype of reclining on a sofa and jabbering about your mother. It is primarily concerned with the here and now, and past events are only addressed by the counsellor when they affect your current thought patterns or behaviours. Learning the basics about this therapy helps you determine whether it could be useful for your own or your loved one’s problem.

Although they are now rarely practiced separately, CBT is actually the marrying of two types of treatment. Cognitive therapy is concerned with the thought patterns and internal assumptions that can contribute or even cause issues such as depression, anxiety and phobias. By challenging any assumptions or recurring thoughts which are generally detrimental or otherwise unhelpful, the therapist attempts to teach the individual new ways of thinking, which then allows them to overcome or manage a specific issue more efficiently. At Therapist Ltd, our Chesterfield & Mansfield based counsellor works integratively, with specialist CBT training to provide a ‘what works methodology’. We suit the counselling to the client not the client to the therapy.

Behavioural therapy is very similar to cognitive therapy, except that it focuses on actions rather than thoughts. If the individual consistently practices harmful behaviours, such as avoiding situations that make them uncomfortable, this can further cement or even establish a problem. In case of a phobia, somebody may leave the room in fear when confronted with a spider. Behavioural therapy uses relaxation techniques in combination with gradual exposure to help the individual overcome the issue. By combining the similar ideas of these two treatments, CBT can address a wide range of issues through both thoughts and behaviours.